Written by Bill Saint – Lehigh Acres Gazette Political Correspondent
The complaint (#20-071) shows at Michael Welch and his business Building Industry Issues of SW Florida are alleged lobbyist.
What is a lobbyist: Lobbyist” means a person who is employed and receives payment, or who contracts for economic consideration, for the purpose of lobbying, or a person who is principally employed for governmental affairs by another person or governmental entity to lobby on behalf of that other person or governmental entity. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 11.045.
What is lobbying: “Lobbying” means influencing or attempting to influence legislative action or nonaction through oral or written communication or an attempt to obtain the goodwill of a member or employee of the Legislature. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 11.045.
Welch has admitted that on his LinkedIn account it states: that he is the CEO of Building Industry Issues of Southwest Florida and they do Local and State lobbying in the State of Florida since 2008.
The facts are simple according to the complainant, Michael Welsh is a lobbyist since 2008 and he’s been on the board of Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District since 2008.
Documents show that in 2013 and 2014 Building Industry Issues of Southwest Florida is listed as a lobbying firm with the State of Florida.
According to Florida Statute 112.313 an elected person cannot be a lobbyist in the State of Florida and is a violation that could lead to fines and or jail time.